MAC Ruffian Gold Layered Over Ruffian Red Lipstick

If we weren’t absolutely positive whether Ruffian Red was warm or not, you’ll definitely turn it into a warm red by layering Ruffian Gold on top of it. Red and gold is a very popular combination, and while it might not read summer (or even fall), it’s certainly a go-to layering for the holidays. The small sized particles in Ruffian Gold make it ideal for layering, because it really mixes and blends with the underlying lipstick, rather than just sitting on top, like a gloss might. The effect between this and a gold-shimmered gloss is still very close, so if you already have a gold gloss, try layering it over your favorite red lipstick.

When layering, it’s best to use a separate lip brush to apply Ruffian Gold over Ruffian Red, but if you’re pressed for time or are on-the-go, you could try applying Ruffian Gold first, and then applying Ruffian Red–you’ll get some particles on the tube of red lipstick, but you won’t turn your gold lipstick all red. With gloss, I like using a fingertip to really blend the colors together after the initial application.

MAC & Ruffian: Lipsticks

MAC and Ruffian have teamed up to launch an online-only collection that features three sets of glue-on nails (to be shown shortly) and three lipsticks: Ruffian Gold (gold glitter metallic), Ruffian Naked (pale peachy nude), and Ruffian Red (classic rich blue red). The collection is available online now. Each lipstick is housed in traditional MAC packaging–a matte black tube with a rounded cap–and has the same vanilla-scent as other MAC lipsticks. Each of these is $14.50.

Ruffian Gold is a semi-sheer sparkling bronzy gold. It’s mostly gold and more molten gold micro-glitter suspended in a sheer color base. This has a frost finish. MAC Liquid Lurex is more multi-colored. MAC Front Lit is paler and more opaque. Dior Or Etoile is similar but lighter. MAC Tanarama is lighter. MAC Gel is fairly similar applied, though it is more bronze. I would recommend layering this over a red lipstick (and I have an upcoming post with it over Ruffian Red–stay tuned).

Ruffian Naked is a rosy beige with a creamy texture. This has a matte finish, though it felt more like a satin to me. I didn’t see much peach in this; it kept looking pink on me. It’s similar to MAC Myth, perhaps slightly lighter. MAC Innocence, Beware! is pinker. MAC Fleshpot is a touch lighter.

I didn’t have any problems with the three shades. They applied as they should–Ruffian Gold didn’t feel too gritty and the glitter spread evenly for the most part, while Ruffian Naked and Ruffian Red had just enough creaminess to glide easily across the lips to deposit rich, opaque color. Ruffian Naked is slightly creamier than Ruffian Red. I typically get four hours of wear with MAC’s lipsticks, and a shade like Ruffian Red would wear longer (as most reds do), around six to eight hours. Ruffian Red did stain my arm after only being on it for 10-15 minutes (as did Russian Red and Ruby Woo).

The Glossover

All three have a few potential dupes from previous launches, so you may not find any of these essential. They're good products, and the red is very classic. The nude shade may be too pale for some--if you like shades like Myth and Fleshpot, it'll be right up your alley!

Where to Buy

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